For his part, Donaire appreciated the time he spent with his co-stars, especially Sevilla, who helped him out in his foray into acting.

“She helped me out a lot. She taught me how to bring out emotions… she’s been there for me,” said the boxer.

He also said he had fun moments with his screen tandem, comedian Garry Lim.

“We’re always having fun in the locker room or in the backstage. Naglolokohan kami all the time,” said Donaire.

The movie was based on a 1969 film originally directed by Leroy Salvador.

The remake features Donaire, who portrayed a jack-of-all-trade Visayan who tried his luck in Metro Manila. There he falls in love with Inday (played by Starpower runner-up Krissel Valdez), a singer determined to get her family out of poverty.

The film, directed by Dandin Ranillo, also featured Baldo Marro, Max Surban, Sevilla and Lim.